What search dogs Bertie and Lyla showed Launceston Police Cadets

Somewhere in a field, a volunteer was hiding. Two dogs were about to go and find them.

That was the scene on Thursday evening (8 October), when Launceston Police Cadets hosted a visit from Cornwall Search Dogs. Volunteers Annie, Laurence and Karen came along with search dogs Bertie and Lyla, according to a post shared by Launceston Police.

How a search dog follows a scent

The cadets heard how the dogs are trained to follow one specific scent, human or dog, over long distances and across difficult terrain.

The team also talked about what sits behind that. Launceston Police said the volunteers explained the dedication, time and commitment needed to train both handlers and dogs to such a high standard.

Bertie and Lyla find their “missing person”

Then came the live demonstration. Bertie and Lyla followed a scent trail and located a “missing person” in the field.

Launceston Police described the pair’s tracking abilities as “remarkable”.

What Cornwall Search Dogs does

Cornwall Search Dogs is a volunteer-led charity that helps reunite missing dogs with their owners. It uses trained tracking dogs and volunteer handlers to find lost dogs, often in challenging environments and difficult conditions.

Launceston Police said the charity’s “dedication, expertise and countless volunteer hours have helped bring many much-loved pets back home safely”.

The cadets “thoroughly enjoyed the visit”, the post added, and thanked Annie, Laurence, Karen, Bertie and Lyla for giving up their time.

Joining the police cadets

Anyone interested in becoming a police cadet can find out more on the Volunteer Police Cadets website.

📷Launceston Police Cadets with volunteers from Cornwall Search Dogs. Credit: Launceston Police